A RAPED NATION

                                                                           BY DAMILOLA TOWOBOLA

A solicitous new day

Born with the unfolding of a new sun

365 days of the last calendar had become history

She was merrily popping the champagne

And radiating with fun

Flash! The television set began to talk

She was struck by a greek gift

A despairing spear on a new year eve

Wines devastatingly went savoury

Her chickens began to fertilize with maggots

She became disillusionised

Cried foul and gnashed teeths

Damilola Towobola a.k.a Spaiz

Alas, racing to the streets

Carrying placards like billboards

To show her discontents

Her fruits fell by the bullets

And some out of shock

Houses razed down in the inferno

And her children beaten with clubs

Yet her kins-folk remained in dark sun glasses

On the acclaimed settlement table

Her kins-folk exercised veto power

And diabolically raped her by due process

Her subsidy was removed

Daylight embarrassment

She threatened to strike

But they struck her back

They sucked her excess account

And squeezed her lovely economy

Her wailing was in vain

                                                                                                                                  

What a shame to D.E.M.O.C.R.A.C.Y !

They deregulated her downstream sector

That was oily

She couldn’t say anything

But cried because they slapped her with 97 naira.

We stand as a witness to the rape of the masses.                                             

               Music chose me  –
               Queen of swag, Anabella

Gorgeous Sensational act, Emakhu Anabel signed on to Swag Entertainment with the stage name Anabella, is gearing up to storm the industry with her “MUJOJO” single. In this interview, Queen of Swag, Anabella, tells DAMILOLA TOWOBOLA about her sojourn to music, “MUJOJO” and projects…During the chat the Edo state born sexy graduate of philosophy from UNIBEN, was witty, blunt and generous with her smile. Enjoy the excerpt.

Q: How did music start for you? Tell us how the journey began.

 Before I knew I love music or I can sing, my mum usually told me how I use to sing, how I use to entertain everybody in my neighborhood because I was like chubby…so from there I found myself loving music, I developed a passion for it singing in churches, school and everywhere so it’s not like I know that everybody is doing music that’s why I came into music but I have the passion for music.

Most Nigerian parents do not support their children when it comes to showbiz? How did they react when you told them about your music career?

Even before now my mum usually tells me “You that love music, Are you not going to sing?”…my mum has been very supportive right from time; she is not biased about the showbiz of a thing even though some people ponder why someone that sings in church has started singing worldly music like most Nigerians say…My mum has been a source of encouragement right from childhood, when I return from school, she would bath me up, beautify and encourage me to go out there saying Anabel “your fans are waiting for you on the street”…she is my number one fan, dances to my music likewise loves it but she advices me to know what to do and what not to do when the trying times arises.

What kind of message does your music pass across to people?

My music is not particular about something because I believe in diversity and changes. My first single is talking about happiness because when you are happy you tend to live longer. My music would help both the poor, rich and bereaveds forget their sorrow, have fun. As a musician, I am a messenger, therefore, I use my music to communicate to people on how I feel, how others feel… not everyone can speak so my Music is a voice in disguise. My music entails what is going on, how I feel and how others feel.

Do you have any plan redefining music in Nigeria?

Yeah sort of, I believe in changes because am not a stagnant person…the kind of music I do is my own thing but first of all we need the past to build the present and future. I tend to bring my own style also into music even though I might take from the past and present to sharpen mine.

Are you working on any project presently?

I am working on the promo of my first single titled “MUJOJO”, have shot the video so watch out for Anabella on your television set, Radio and everywhere locally and internationally. Also I am bracing up for performances alongside Tuface, Terry G, Flavour, VIP from Ghana, Olamide, YQ, Jaywon on the 9^th of December likewise performances at Jozing Nite club V.I, Lagos on the 11^th, 18^th and 22^nd. I got lots of performances this December both home and abroad so I am trying to stay in the right mindset to get my fans dancing because “Mujojo” would sweep them off their feet.

Do you have any accolades to your name?

I am a born champion…laughs…I got numerous awards already such as Miss Foundation for Family Values International (FFI), Queen of Swag (Niger Delta Magazine), numerous campus awards(Most popular, Best dressed, Most Outstanding, Most distinguished, Most Sociable and Most Generous) that’s all I can remember for now. I would be giving my very best in my music so that I can add more from the entertainment scene to my shelves and rising profile.

What is your romantic life like?

Maybe I leave that for now because it’s kind of private… (Break in) Why? I think it’s too early to delve into that.

Tell us a really embarrassing story.

(Laughs)…the first time I ever travelled out, I went to Dubia with my sister…You know in Lagos when you want to cross the road, we usually run… so there was a day, my sister and I wanted to cross the road in Dubia, we didn’t know that when you step on the Zebra crossing unlike Nigeria, cars would stop for you to cross with ease but we started running… on looking back we saw people making jest of us so we inquired and was told we acted like “bush people”. Also when I was leaving my friend’s shop I thought I was still in Nigeria, she was about locking up the shop and I busted out “Una no go off Generator, Nepa dey go”… it was really embarrassing.

Who are some of your favourite celebrities and which one of them do you want to be like and why?

My first is Beyonce on the foreign scene, I love Beyonce a lot…it would be a dream come true if I ever work with her, I like her courage, charisma, protégée and personality…she is an artiste that believes in herself and her works are exceptional. In Nigeria, I like Omawunmi…she has a very powerful voice, even Waje is not bad and I think I also like Goldie too because she came into the industry with her own style even though people see her as weird. Goldie came into the industry with something different from what has been in vogue. Actually, I love a lot of practitioners in the industry and I would be happy if I get to work with them.

It’s been wonderful having this interview with you, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years…5 years is too long if you know what you are doing in the industry, let’s say 5 months?

Oh…I prefer to work with 5 month… First and foremost, Anywhere, I want to see myself is God that first of all has to take me there because I believe in him. Actually, in 5 months times, I should be like a household name…Anabella should be everywhere because the type of music I do is what people can relate with, easily know and sing along. I want to make an impact with my music in the industry, is not like I want to take without giving back to the industry and people out there. In 5 months, with my producers, Management, Marketers, Fan base and well wishers I should be somewhere great…so watch out for Anabella.

                  Soso Trice: Ready for Stardom

Soso Trice

It’s obvious through his resume that Soso Trice a graduate of salt of the Earth and Scratch Academy, a renowned Disc Jockey’s School has style and panache. Anyone who has listened to his singles titled “BAMILOLE” can tell easily that Soso Trice would burst into the fore front in the music industry with his mix of foreign style of rap, Nigerian style and Calabar flow which would be laced in his subsequent singles.

Soso Trice currently signed under Swag Entertainment is in a class of himself when it comes to keeping bodies giggling on the dance floor.

Armed with a single featuring one of Naija finest in the industry, Bounty… Soso Trice is indeed ready to rivet the entertainment industry with his own unique musical treat reminiscent of his two inspirational heroes Jay Z and Nas

“Swag entertainment gave me the courage and hopes to do what I am doing today… I am very grateful for the privilege” Soso Trice Stated.

Given his ability to keep the party alive with his exhilarating lyrics and stage craft, he would be performing alongside established act like Tuface, Terry G, YQ, Olamide, Jaywon, Flavour at the Lagoon Restaurant come December.

Soso Trice whose real name is Douglas George is a native of Calabar State and has a lot to offer because of his distinctive style.

                                        Trail of Incompetence

President Goodluck Jonathan

*Bomb blast hits Nigeria

*Security apparatus and anti-graft agencies collapsing

*NDLEA and Baba Suwe’s Case an eyesore

*Who are Dele Giwa’s killers?

The state of incompetence of our security apparatus and anti-graft agencies across Nigeria is becoming alarming, as one can no longer have faith in them. A recent attack in the northeast of Nigeria has left at least 69 people dead in a wave of bombing and shooting carried out leaving frightened mourners burying their dead, likewise the scenario between Babatunde Omidina a.k.a Baba Suwe and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA is a signal that our security apparatus has collapsed.

Overtime, Nigeria has been hit by series of bombing, kidnapping, Rape, Assassination, Tribal wars and numerous vices, which dissipate the trust of the masses in the topmost priority of the essence of governance which is to protect lives and property and maintain peace and security.

An attack was recently launched on police station, Army base and churches in Damaturu on the eve of Eid-el-kabir before gun battles against security forces. Though there was no claim of responsibility for the suicide bombing and attacks in Damaturu, Capital of Yobe state and Maiduguri, in Borno state. But blaims immediately fell on the sect known as Boko Haram, which had staged bombings and assassinations around Nigeria’s north.

This public unrest started since July 2009 when Boko haram staged attacks in Bauchi; clashed with police and army in Maiduguri. And in December 2010, the group claimed bombings in central Nigeria and attacks on churches.

Boko haram has waged an increasedly bloody sectarian fight against Nigeria’s weak central government. A suicide bomber claimed by the group attacked the UN headquarters in August, while another bomber targeted the Federal police headquarters in June.

Boko haram whose name means, “Western Education is a sacrilege” in local Hausa language, has targeted, assassinations and bombings around Nigeria’s North. The group, whose followers wear long beards and red or black scarves, considers all who do not follow its strict ideology as infidels, whether they are Christians or Muslims. The group is demanding for addition of Sharia, Islamic law, in all of Nigeria.

It should be noted that the president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan during a post Election statement re-assured of his solemn duty to duty to defend the constitution of this country. That includes the obligation to protect the lives and properties of every Nigerian wherever they choose to live.

“ I assured all Nigerians that I will do so with all powers at my disposal as president, commander-in-Chief” he stated.

Nigerian Police

Condemning the recent bomb attack in Yobe and Maiduguri, Acting National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje stated, “ The latest bombings in Damaturu and Maiduguri were bizarre, tragic and unfortunate. They literally broke the peace, sacrife and solemnity, which the Eid-el- Kabir signifies.”

Despite the recent surge in the Northeast Nigeria, Defence Minister Mohammed Bello speaking with journalist said that a lot of progress has been made there. “I believe our security agencies are doing very well in containing the situation,” he said.

Also the U.S state department has warned travellers to stay away from three major hotels in Abuja, the Nigerian Capital after learning of a possible new assault.

The case of incompetence of our anti-graft agency, NDLEA in the case of popular Yoruba actor, Babatunde Omidina also known as Baba Suwe who was arrested at Muritala Muhammed Airport on October 12, 2011 on his way to Paris of alleged possession of Narcotics which had brought about lot of controversies over the past few weeks is a global eyesore.

Baba Suwe was granted freedom after the agencies could not prove that he has ingested the said Narcotics after putting him through series of test. Immediately he regained his freedom following a court bail injunction, his fans swarmed round him and carried him shoulder-high while screaming “O ya gbe ti”.

Baba Suwe has sued NDLEA seeking compensation for his bartered image and violation of his Fundamental Human Right by keeping him in custody for more than the constitutionally allowed 24 hours.

Insider learnt that the scanning machine employed by NDLEA, was donated by the United States government to the agency in 2008, the machine is believed to be one of the most sophisticated x-ray body scanning machine available for drug detection.

The image, integrity and ideology of the agency is skirmished for emphatically claiming through scanner result that Baba Suwe had narcotics substance in his belly yet no physical substance to prove of his guilt after series of excretion.

The level of competence of our executive arm of government calls for questions as numerous robberies, assassination, bomb blast cases are still on resolved. 25 years after the death of the backbone of Investigative Journalism in Nigeria, the person of Dele Giwa, the Police are yet to expose the killers of a man who should have been a jewel to the fourth realm of the estate.

Late Dele Giwa

Dele was home on Talabi street, Ikeja, Lagos, about to eat a meal with Newswatch’s London Bureau Chief Kayode Soyinka when his son, Billy, brought in a large brown envelope addressed to him and carrying what seemed to be the official government seal. As he attempted to open the parcel, it blew up. It was a parcel bomb. Dele’s lower half was almost severed from his body. Dele Giwa’s killers are still walking out there.

Addressing the issues of our security flaws, a statement issued by National publicity secretary of the All Nigerian People’s Party, Emma Eneukwu called on the Federal Government to urgently explore and implement a visionary and holistic security strategy that will address the remote and immediate cause of this rather unfortunate state of affairs.

The protection of lives and property of every Nigerian wherever they choose to live is a solemn duty of the government of the day as encoded in the Constitution of Nigeria; President Goodluck Jonathan must act swiftly to curtail this security flaw and also redeem is image as a capable administrator for a better Nigeria.

Naira G and Mc BornBlakky

 

                 My Encounter with Muzik Africa – Mc BornBlakky

Comedy just like music is the Medicine for a broken heart. Towobola Damilola of Spaiztainment caught up with Mc BornBlakky at an event recently where the Abia State born Laugh merchant almost ripped off people's ribs. Enjoy the excerpt



When did you gain the Fame as a Comedian?

The fame as a comedian, I think came in 2007 when I started comedy but I have been acting since I was 12 years old and I have appeared in three home videos, one is “Destiny Child”. Actually, from acting I got into the comedy industry and have become a strong foothold. I have been to a lot of events both in Nigeria and outside our shores but the listed ones are over 38. 

What would you say of other Comedians that copy other people’s jokes ...So what determines the kind of jokes you make?

Mc  BornBlakky

I think is just familiar with all comedians but it depends on the way you copy jokes. A.Y could just come up with a comedy while another comedian would do that same comedy in a brand new style. For me, I tend to use what I see, things in front of me and my past experiences so that determines the kind of jokes I crack.(Break)... Have you ever copied people's jokes?...hmmm, No.

Who are your top five Comedians?

Laughs)...my top five comedians in the industry, my fifth position goes to, I Go Die then Buchi, Emeka Smith, Teju Baby Face and the undisputed A.Y is my number one on the count down.

What should we expect from your show tagged “NAIJA @ 51 with DURELA, BORNBLAKKY AND NAIRA G”?

I want you to expect a lot, get ready to see Bornblakky in a brand new style, expect to see me in the craziest swags and on stage expect to see me funky. A host of artiste Durella, Naira G, Sabi, danny Young, Oluwacoded, De.on, T. Black, Dhammy D1 and many more would be on stage on Oct 2nd at Lion Gate Hotel, Sabo so expect the very best from the event. There would be a lot of paparazzo’s also on the red carpet. We are actually staging the event to celebrate Nigeria @ 51 with our fans and loved ones out there.

What makes you outstanding among your colleagues?

You know there is something in you that I don't have and there is something in me that you don't have that is life for you. God makes us special with one gift so I believe this distinguishes me amongst my colleagues. I have that special gift that makes me the best.

Tell you Fans the nasty stuffs you have done?

Hush, I was at an event at Easter tagged “Easter fiesta swag” near E-center. At the event, Muzik Africa picked me up on the red carpet and was questioning me. They asked me one particular question “How many years have into entertainment?” and I was like 15 years. The V.J shouted 15 years! Then, he asked his camera man to cut-it off. The question was asked again and I repeated vehemently “15 years”, he exclaimed again and followed up with a question asking where have I been? I responded by saying I was just coming now but I know I would get there. The next time Muzik Africa saw me at a function, they refused to interview me.

 One last word to your Fans out there

My Fans out there, I love you all and I want you to keep supporting me, keep believing in me and don’t be like Muzik Africa that left me because of my expensive jokes on camera. I love you all.

             TERRY G IS STILL MY BEST FRIEND –SIDE –ONE.

Oluwatosin Johnson Anifowoshe a.k.a Side-One is one of the brightest artiste on the naija music front though encapsulated in a battle with his close pal, Terry G who he featured in his hit single “One by One”. DAMILOLA TOWOBOLA caught up with the budding talent and he spoke on his life, career and many battles. Side-One remains a force to reckon with in the industry. Enjoy the Excerpt

We know you as side-one. Can you just introduce yourself better?

My name is Oluwatosin Johnson Anifowoshe a.k.a Side-one a.k.a Don Papa One a.ka God son.

Tell me about the music Industry?

You see we are taking the Naija music industry to another level and we thank God for the fans, we thank God for who we are today because the crowd are really supporting my music, and massively supporting me. I just thank God because the first hit single I brought out “One by One” was highly accepted by Nigerians and even outside Nigeria people really enjoyed the music so well.

What has been the challenge so far?

I would just say nothing too serious although it is not really easy getting from one show to the other, moving from one studio to the other and also trying to impress your fans. But we are just doing it the way we know how to do it best and God is really on my side.

When did you actually start music?

I started music seven years ago singing in the choir, in Secondary School and even in Primary School but I really thank God for who I am today because now that I started professionally seven years back I think it’s really great and people are supporting me.

So what can you attribute to the rift between you and Terry G?

I would just say Terry G is my friend, my very close friend. However, you know there is no how you would have brothers or sisters that would not quarrel. Terry G is still my best friend, I love him so much and I don’t have any beef with him.

In the next five years where do you see Side-One?

Already I am seeing myself as a CEO signing artiste putting them to the limelight, getting the best vipe out of them and making them sound good for the viewers.

What message do you have for Facebookers and your fans?

Facebook is the largest entertainment network, the largest relationship network, the largest friendship network, Infact as I am concerned; I think facebook is the best you can have on internet; dating, friendship, business and everything. I support facebook because I am on the social network. To all my fans, I love you all.

“There Is More to Every TV Commercial On Air”- C.E.O Brand World Media, Clara Okoro Opens Up.

she might not have those killer looks that make many hearts flutter whenever they adorn movie jackets and posters, not that she is blessed with the voice that gets you dancing and frenzy but Clara Okoro is one of the exceptional faces and voices that represent changes and who dares to be different . Apart from pioneering initiatives, the fair-complexioned media practitioner- turned most- sought after, rose to the top with her Brand World TV show, Nigeria’s leading brand oriented programme that deals with branding and also research.

In this interesting chat with DAMILOLA TOWOBOLA, the C.E.O, as the brain and bold belle is fondly called opened up on her Initiative, ICE Magazine and other interesting issues. Enjoy the excerpts.

How did you get the concept of Brand World and now ICE magazine?

Brand world media came up as a need to fill the niche which most clients were looking for but didn’t know where to look. There is a lot happening around your brand apart from your 60 seconds commercials on Television and that’s what we came to fill up.

These also communicated in what we came up with as regards the publication of Ice Magazine. A lot of young people consume brands but people don’t really know there is a pattern which they attribute the way these people consume brand and if we fill up that gap and take the information back to the owners of the brand, it would help them in their planning and make for easier running of their project.

Have you always been in publishing and also if you were not a media practitioner, what would you have being?

I have always been in broadcasting, we just ventured into publishing. Anyway, if I was not a media practitioner, I would have been a teacher.

You seem to juggle so many roles. You are a Presenter likewise a Publisher, how do you cope?

It is not an easy task but for anyone who wants to achieve set dreams and objectives, you have to be ready to apply yourself twice as more as the other person does. So I must look at ways to fill up the roles and run it as a process which should be normal to me.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I am very impatient.

Do you have a role model?

I have so many role models, any hardworking individual who believes in enhancing humanity positively are my role models but the two that readily comes to mind are Ted Turner and Oprah Winfrey. Those two are rarely the people I think has achieved so many ground breaking ideas that turned around the world.

Which Nigerian do you admire, who you would like to meet, if you have not met already?

There are so many Nigerian I admire because to survive alone in this environment requires God’s tenacity so anybody who has worked and succeeded in an environment like this and build a brand from the scratch to what it is today has my utmost respect and that speaks for every C.E.O who is running an organization in this environment against all odds and are succeeding. Any Nigerian that falls into that capacity is my role model and I would love to meet them any day and anytime.

What pleasant memories would you say you have of being the boss of Brand World Media?

The fact that I have lived a fulfilled life up to this point; it was always my dream to be in a creative environment and these has afforded me so many opportunities to be at so many events that creatively inspired me.

The moment I cannot forget was when Virgin Atlantic and virgin Nigeria held their 5^th and 1^st year Anniversary in Nigeria and Richard Branson was in Nigeria, I got to speak him but the only regret I had was not being quick enough to look for a photographer to capture that moment in time. Those were moments that are unforgettable to me.

What are the Challenges you face in turning yourself into a brand in this industry?

The same other entrepreneurs like myself faces, getting clients to see things your way, being able to deliver with your turn around time intact, being able to satisfy your clients and customers and also being able to keep your processes running in terms of your bills, salaries, electricity bills and fueling the generator set.

As you get older, what are your constant thoughts?

How to provide myself long after retirement, my family and those that are immediately dependent on me, that why I am still using this period I still have a lot of energy to transform my ideas into sustainable income generating ideas and then it would provide employment for people, generate income to look after my family, myself and old age all the investment we have made should then take care of us.

We know you as a presenter, but can we get a fuller package?

I run a media company, we pre- produce a programme called Brand World TV show. We basically do other things for clients when it comes to the area of branding, they engage us and give us specific assignment and we carry that out on their behalf.